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This week we had a wonderful visit with Susan Macone and Anthony J. Rogers at Macone Farm in Concord! Macone Farms sells its fresh cut flowers, award-winning tomatoes and other vegetables like butternut squash exclusively to Russo’s.

Susan grew up on the farm but after college worked two full time jobs - as both a software engineer and a farmer. She retired from software engineering in 2005 and has focused on the farm ever since.

About five years ago, Susan started to grow cut flowers. Her colorful rows are full of zinnias, celosia, snapdragons and more.

“There is so much competition for farming tomatoes and vegetables, but not many people are doing cut flowers and I enjoy doing the cut flowers,” she said. “I do it because I enjoy it.”

Susan walked us through her rows of tomatoes, handing us one delicious variety after another. She has several varieties including chocolate tomatoes (which do taste like chocolate!), Sunpeach (which are delicious!) and her famous Sungold won Best in Massachusetts!

Tony Russo asked when the amazing tomatoes will arrive at Russo's. The answer is...today!

Macone Farm is not a certified organic but Susan said she does not spray anything on her 12-acre farm.

“To me, this is my backyard garden and you don’t spray where you live.” Plus, she added, “I’m the one picking and I don’t want spray where I pick.” She said she is okay with the fact that her seasons may run shorter than others because bugs or blight get her crops. It is safer that way, she explains. “If the bugs eat ‘em, that means you can eat ‘em,” she said.

At Russo's this week, we have locally grown tomatoes, eggplant and corn. See more of our specials here!